According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children between the ages of 1 – 5 years old are at risk for lead poisoning because they often place their hands and objects in their mouths that may contain lead.  Lead poisoning is linked to anemia, learning/behavior problems, hearing loss, hyperactivity, neurological and kidney damage. 

The good news is that lead poisoning is preventable by taking a few steps to stop a child from coming into contact with lead.

-       Wash child’s hands and toys regularly, because dust and dirt can have lead in them
-       Mop regularly, because household dust can contain lead
-       Keep windowsills clean and check for peeling paint. A child may eat paint chips that may have lead
-       Cover bare soil with grass, mulch or wood chips, because a child may play in contaminated soil and get it in their mouth
-       Avoid giving a child home remedies, because some can have high levels of lead in them
-       Avoid eating imported candies from Mexico
-       Check child’s toys and jewelry that may have been recalled, because they contain lead
-       Use cold tap water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula.  Higher levels of lead may be found in hot tap water
-       If an adult works with lead on their job or hobbies, such as stained glass, bullet making, using a firing range, soldering, etc., 
        the adult should shower and change clothes before holding or playing with a child

It is recommended that all children under age 6 years be tested for lead.  The best ages for testing are 12 months and 24 months, or whenever there is concern that a child has been exposed. If you would like additional information or think your child may have been exposed to lead or for more information about lead poisoning please contact the Solano County Public Health Lead Prevention Program.